A man is facing murder charges in the death of his roommate in the Village of South Blooming Grove, according to New York State Police.
State police arrested 44-year-old Joseph Pennyfeather following a homicide investigation in Orange County.
According to police, troopers responded to a home on Heights Trail Tuesday at approximately 4:41 p.m. Upon arrival, troopers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound and apparent trauma.
The victim was identified as 45-year-old Tanzanica Dickerson. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.
Police say that the two lived together, and they were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical prior to the incident.
An autopsy determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound, along with evidence of blunt force trauma.
Troopers arrested Pennyfeather at the scene. He was arraigned in the City of Middletown Court on charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
He remains in the Orange County Jail without bail as of Wednesday night.
Community members told News 12 that while their neighborhood is a safe area, it's heartbreaking to hear that something like this happened in their own backyard.
"Right now, we think, you know, we're complaining about runny noses and sickness and allergies and everything else. To actually lose a life this time of year, it's terrible," said Washingtonville resident Daniel Del Valle.
Pennyfeather is scheduled to appear in the Town of Blooming Grove Court on Dec. 29.